Low High-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels Research Articles

Higher atherogenic risk in schoolchildren is associated with MTMR9 rs2293855 gene polymorphism and genetic score.

Childhood dyslipidaemia is associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases in adulthood, so evaluating whether an individual has a genetic predisposition to this pathology is of great importance for early action of prevention and treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the FTO (rs9939609), MC4R (rs17782313) and MTMR9 (rs2293855) polymorphisms, the obesity-related genetic risk score and atherogenic risk in Brazilian children. This is a cross-sectional study conducted in 544 children aged 4-9 years in the city of Viçosa, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The single nucleotide polymorphisms rs9939609, rs17782313 and rs2293855, were identified by the system TaqMan SNP genotyping and the obesity-related genetic risk score was determined. The lipid profile (serum total cholesterol [TC], high density lipoprotein [HDL] cholesterol, low density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol, triglycerides) was analysed and the atherogenic indices (Castelli I and II indices), atherogenic coefficient (AC), lipoprotein combined index (LCI) and plasma atherogenic index (PAI) were calculated. A semi-structured questionnaire was applied, obtaining data on the sociodemographic, economic and lifestyle characteristics of the children. Weight and height measurements were performed in all children, and body composition was evaluated by Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). 55.5% of the sample had dyslipidaemia, while 28.5% of the sample had at least one polymorphism and 2.2% had three polymorphisms. Children with the AG/AA genotypes in the rs2293855 polymorphism had lower HDL cholesterol levels and higher TC/HDL cholesterol, LDL/HDL cholesterol ratios and AC. Those with one or more polymorphisms (rs9939609, rs17782313 and rs2293855) in the genetic risk score had lower HDL cholesterol levels and higher TC/HDL cholesterol ratios, AC, LCI and PAI. In conclusion, the risk allele of the rs2293855 polymorphism and a higher obesity-related genetic risk score were positively associated with higher atherogenic risk in Brazilian children.

Associations of surfactant protein SP-A and SP-D content with blood lipid parameters in men and women of Novosibirsk

The aim of the study was to evaluate associations between content of surfactant proteins SP-A and SP-D and blood lipid parameters in men and women in Novosibirsk. Material and methods. In 2022, 174 people (87 men and 87 women), aged 45 to 69 years, randomly selected from the residents of Novosibirsk, were examined. Content of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG) in blood was determined by direct enzymatic method, concentration of surfactant proteins SP-A and SP-D – by enzyme immunoassay. Results. It was found that in the general sample of examined individuals, the content of SP-A in the blood is directly related to the level of HDL cholesterol and negative with the concentration of TG and hypertriglyceridemia; in men it was positively correlated with the level of HDL cholesterol, and in women it was positively correlated with low levels of HDL cholesterol (hypoHDL cholesterol). According to the results of ROC and multivariate analyze, it was found that blood SP-A level of at least 1642 pg/ml has a diagnostic value in the detection of hypo HDL-C in women (sensitivity is 56.3 %, specificity is 81.7 %,) and increases the risk of having hypo HDL-С in the total sample of the examined persons and in the women by 3.4 and 7.4 times, respectively. Using multivariate analysis, the reverse effect of blood SP-A content on hypertriglyceridemia was determined in the total sample of men and women in Novosibirsk. No associations were found between SP-D concentration and the studied lipid characteristics of the blood. One of the possible mechanisms of the SP-A influence on lipid metabolism (level of HDL-C, TG, hypoHDL-C, hypertriglyceridemia) in men and women in Novosibirsk is its effect on cell membranes, inducing the redistribution of the CD36 scavenger receptor, as well as changes in expression of this receptor.

Prevalence and Determinants of Endothelial Dysfunction among Adults Living with HIV in Northwest Nigeria.

Endothelial dysfunction constitutes an early pathophysiological event in atherogenesis and cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, determinants, and degree of endothelial dysfunction in antiretroviral therapy (ART)-treated people living with HIV (PLWH) in northwestern Nigeria using brachial flow-mediated dilatation (FMD). This was a comparative, cross-sectional study. A total of 200 ART-treated adults living with HIV with no evidence of kidney disease were compared with 200 HIV-negative participants attending a tertiary hospital in Kano, Nigeria, between September 2020 and May 2021. Endothelial function was evaluated by measuring FMD with a high-resolution vascular ultrasound transducer. FMD was calculated as the ratio of the brachial artery diameter after reactive hyperemia to baseline diameter and expressed as a percentage of change. Blood and urine samples were obtained from participants in both arms. Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) was calculated using the 2021 CKD-EPI estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) creatinine-cystatin C equation without the race variable, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was measured using enzymatic method. The overall mean age (± standard deviation) of the study participants was 42 ± 11 years. Participants in the comparison arm were younger than PLWH (38 ± 11 versus 46 ± 10 years, respectively). The median (interquartile range) uACR was 41.6 (23.2-162.9) mg/g for the ART-treated PLWH versus 14.5 (7.4-27.0) mg/g for healthy controls. PLWH had a significantly lower mean percent FMD when compared to HIV-negative participants (9.8% ± 5.4 versus 12.1% ± 9.2, respectively). Reduced FMD was independently associated with HIV infection (β = -2.83%, 95% CI, -4.44% to -1.21%, p = 0.001), estimated glomerular filtration rate (β = -0.04%, 95% CI, -0.07% to -0.01%, p = 0.004) and LDL cholesterol (β = -1.12%, 95% CI, -2.13% to -0.11%, p = 0.029). HIV-positive status, lower estimated GFR, and higher LDL cholesterol levels were independently associated with endothelial dysfunction. Future prospective studies with larger cohorts of persons living with HIV (and age- and sex-matched HIV-negative controls) are needed to gain further insight into these important findings. In the interim, aggressive management of modifiable risk factors is warranted.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors in HIV patients on combination antiretroviral therapy in Ghana

BackgroundBrain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been implicated in the development of cardiometabolic risk factors in some populations. However, few studies have investigated the role of BDNF and cardiometabolic risk factors in HIV patients despite the plethora of evidence linking HIV infection with the dysregulation of circulating BDNF levels. We investigated the association between serum BDNF and cardiometabolic risk factors in HIV patients in a primary hospital in Ghana. We recruited 450 participants, comprising 150 combination antiretroviral (cART)-treated HIV patients, 150 cART-naïve HIV patients, and 150 non-HIV controls. Data on sociodemographic parameters and medical history were collected using a structured questionnaire. Fasting venous blood samples were collected to measure plasma glucose levels, lipid profiles, and BDNF. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was defined using the joint interim statement criteria.ResultsCompared to untreated HIV patients and uninfected controls, the proportion of participants having MetS was high in cART-exposed HIV patients (26.8% vs 21.1% vs 52.1%, respectively, p < 0.001). Generally, BDNF levels were higher in uninfected controls compared with untreated and cART-exposed HIV patients [7.1 (3.4–13.3) vs 4.9 (2.7–9.6) vs 5.6 (2.9–8.9) ng/ml, p = 0.025]. In participants without MetS, square root-transformed serum BDNF was lowest in cART-exposed HIV patients, followed by untreated HIV patients, with uninfected controls having the highest (1.8 ± 0.8 vs 2.4 ± 1.2 vs 2.9 ± 1.2 ng/ml, p < 0.001). MetS was associated with serum BDNF levels in only the cART-exposed HIV patients [OR (95% CI) = 2.98 (1.64–5.41), p < 0.001]. In cART-exposed HIV patients, an increase in BDNF was associated with increased likelihood of having impaired fasting glucose [2.49 (1.51–4.11), p < 0.001], high systolic blood pressure [1.64 (1.1–2.46), p = 0.016], and hypertriglyceridemia [2.73 (1.65–4.52), p < 0.001], as well as decreased likelihood of having low HDL cholesterol levels [0.32 (0.19–0.56), p < 0.001].ConclusionIn our study population, MetS was higher in cART-exposed HIV patients. HIV patients have low levels of serum BDNF, especially those without MetS. BDNF was associated with MetS and its components in HIV patients on cART management.

Characteristics and Risk Factors Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonias in Hospitalized Pediatric Patients: A Pilot Study.

SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia in children has a lower incidence and severity compared to adults. Risk factors are adolescence and comorbidities. Our aims were to describe the characteristics of children admitted with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, identify risk factors associated with severity and compare the cases according to the variant of SARS-CoV-2. This was a descriptive and retrospective study, including patients aged 0-18 years hospitalized in a tertiary-care hospital between 1 March 2020 and 1 March 2022. Epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic data were analyzed. Forty-four patients were admitted; twenty-six (59%) were male and twenty-seven (61%) were older than 12 years. Thirty-six (82%) had comorbidities, the most frequent of which were obesity and asthma. Seven (15.9%) patients required high-flow oxygen, eleven (25%) non-invasive ventilation and four (9.1%) conventional mechanical ventilation. In critically ill patients, higher levels of anemia, lymphopenia, procalcitonin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and hypoalbuminemia and lower levels of HDL-cholesterol were detected (all p < 0.05). Prematurity (p = 0.022) was associated with intensive care unit admission. Patients were younger during the Omicron wave (p < 0.01); no variant was associated with greater severity. In conclusion, pediatric patients with a history of prematurity or with anemia, lymphopenia, elevated procalcitonin, elevated LDH levels, hypoalbuminemia and low HDL-cholesterol levels may require admission and present more severe forms. Apart from age, no notable differences between SARS-CoV-2 variant periods were found.

Genetic backgrounds and diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia.

Lipid disorders play a critical role in the intricate development of atherosclerosis and its clinical consequences, such as coronary heart disease and stroke. These disorders are responsible for a significant number of deaths in many adult populations worldwide. Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder that causes extremely high levels of LDL cholesterol. The most common mutations occur in genes responsible for low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), apolipoprotein B (APOB), or proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). While genetic testing is a dependable method for diagnosing the disease, it may not detect primary mutations in 20%-40% of FH cases.

Lipoprotein Lipase/Apolipoprotein Cll Gene Polymorphism in Kurdish Patients With Severe Hypertriglyceridemia.

Background Polymorphisms in thelipoprotein lipase(LPL) and apolipoprotein CII (APO CII)genes have been linked to severe hypertriglyceridemia in several populations. This study investigated the frequency ofLPL-Hind lllandAPO Cll-Ava ll polymorphism among Kurdishpatientswith severe hypertriglyceridemia. Methodology We investigated LPL-Hind llland APO Cll-Ava ll gene polymorphism in a sample of Kurdish patients receiving treatment at Azadi Teaching Hospital in Duhok, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. We included a total of 100 subjects in this study, of which 64 had severe hypertriglyceridemia, and 36 had normotriglyceridemia. There were 56 males and 44 females. We used the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique to determine the polymorphism of the LPL-Hind lll and APO Cll-Ava ll genes. Results In those with severe hypertriglyceridemia, the most frequent alleles were H+H+LPL-Hind lll polymorphism (42, 65.6%) followed by A1A1APO Cll-Ava ll polymorphism (30, 46.9%), whereas these frequencies were 16 (44.4%) and 6 (16.7%) in those with normotriglyceridemia, respectively. The H+H+ genotype group had considerably higher triglyceride levels and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels compared with the H-H- genotype group. A similar pattern was observed when comparing the A1A1 and A2A2 genotype groups, with both patterns being statistically significant. Conclusions Our results showed a high frequency of H+H+LPL-Hind III polymorphism in those with hypertriglyceridemia, which may be a hereditary indicator of vulnerability to this condition in the Kurdish population.

Visceral adipose index, lipid accumulation product, and selected cardiometabolic risk markers among postmenopausal Sudanese women: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundIn Sub-Saharan African countries, data examining postmenopausal women's cardiometabolic risk (CMR) remains limited. Our study aimed to assess the visceral adiposity index (VAI) and lipid accumulation product (LAP), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), and physical activity levels of postmenopausal women and determine their CMR. MethodsA cross-sectional study included 224 postmenopausal women aged ≥47 years recruited from Khartoum State, Sudan. Weight, height, waist and hip circumferences were measured. Physical activity levels were determined using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire version 2. Fasting blood samples (5 mL) were collected to determine the lipid profile. The VAI and LAP were calculated as indicators for visceral adiposity, whereas AIP was calculated as an indicator of CVD risk. ResultsThe postmenopausal women's mean age was 62.4 ± 10.2 years. Women (29.2%; 54/185) were physically inactive, with most inactive women being >64 years and having ≥5 CVD risk factors compared with the active and very active women with 3–4 CVD risk factors. Women had high total cholesterol (24.6%), triglycerides (26.6%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (14.3%), and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (61.2%) levels. Moreover, women (33.5%) had a high CVD risk. In multiple regression analyses, AIP increased significantly with VAI and BMI. The ROC analysis revealed that the highest and statistically significant AUC was recorded for VAI followed by LAP among postmenopausal women, suggesting their diagnostic significance for CVD risk. ConclusionVAI and LAP were closely associated with an increased risk of CVD in postmenopausal Sudanese women and were considered the best diagnostic performance.

Sex Differences in Familial Hypercholesterolemia.

This review aims to summarize the existing research on sex differences in familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) across the lifespan. From childhood onward, total- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in girls are higher than those in boys with FH. By the age of 30 years, women with FH have a higher LDL-C burden than men. In adulthood, women are diagnosed later than men, receive less lipid-lowering treatment, and consequently have higher LDL-C levels. An excessive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk is reported in young female compared to male FH patients. The periods of pregnancy and breastfeeding contribute to treatment loss and increased cholesterol burden. Earlier initiation of treatment, especially in girls with FH, and lifelong treatment during all life stages are important. Future research should aim to recruit both women and men, report sex-specific data, and investigate the impact of the female life course on cardiovascular outcomes. Future guidelines should include sex-specific aspects.

Association of LDL-C level with neoatherosclerosis and plaque vulnerability in patients with late restenosis: an optical coherence tomography study

Neoatherosclerosis (NA) is a significant contributor to late stent failure; however, predictors of late in-stent restenosis (ISR) with NA have not been systematically reported. This study aimed to identify predictors of NA incidence and plaque vulnerability in patients with late ISR and the role of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in this process. A total of 216 patients with 216 lesions who underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT) before interventional procedure for late drug-eluting stent ISR were enrolled and divided into NA and non-NA groups based on OCT findings. Results showed that higher LDL-C levels were associated with NA, thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA), intimal disruption, plaque erosion, and thrombosis. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the LDL-C level was an independent risk factor for NA and TCFA. The LDL-C levels exhibited a significant predictive value for NA and TCFA, surpassing other factors such as stent age and other lipid types. In conclusion, a high LDL-C level is an independent predictor of NA incidence and plaque vulnerability in patients with late ISR.

Value of Hcy combined with Framingham score for predicting macrovascular disease in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.

To analyze the predictive value of homocysteine (Hcy) combined with the Framingham risk score for cardio- and cerebrovascular disease in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to provide a reference for clinical treatment. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 1036 elderly patients with T2DM admitted to our hospital between July 2017 and July 2022. The patients were divided into occurrence (n = 438) and control (n = 598) groups based on the incidence of cardio- or cerebrovascular disease. Univariate and multivariate logistic analyses were used to analyze the factors associated with cardio-cerebral small-vessel disease in the elderly patients with T2DM. The predictive value of Hcy combined with the Framingham score for cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases in elderly patients with T2DM was determined using receiver operating characteristic curves. Univariate analysis showed that the occurrence group had significantly higher Framingham score, systolic blood pressure (SBP), total cholesterol (TC), fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose, Hcy, glycated hemoglobin, smoking history, and disease duration than the control group (all P < .05). Food preferences, sleep duration, physical exercise, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly lower in the occurrence group than in the control group (all P < .05). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that smoking history, duration of diabetes, Framingham score, SBP, TC, FBG, HDL-C, 2h postprandial plasma glucose, and Hcy levels were risk factors for cardio- and cerebrovascular disease in elderly patients with T2DM. The area under the curve for Hcy and Framingham scores was 0.741 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.635-1.871) and 0.717 (95% CI: 0.601-0.856), respectively. Hcy combined with the Framingham score demonstrated a significantly higher predictive value (0.852, 95% CI: 0.741-0.979). Long smoking history, long diabetes duration, high Framingham score, high SBP, high TC, high FBG, low HDL-C, and high Hcy levels are risk factors for cardio-cerebrovascular disease in elderly patients with T2DM. In addition, Hcy level combined with the Framingham score demonstrated superior predictive power for cardio- and cerebrovascular disease in elderly patients with T2DM.

Monocyte/High-Density Lipoprotein Ratio as an Inflammatory Marker in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Objective: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic, functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. Recent investigations have highlighted the potential involvement of inflammation, although the etiology of IBS remains unknown. This study aims to assess the connection between IBS and Monocyte/High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) ratio (MHR), a new inflammatory marker. Material and Method: The study was conducted in the outpatient gastroenterology unit of a tertiary center between March-2021 and March-2022. Patients with IBS, according to the Rome IV criteria were examined retrospectively. Age- and sex-matched healthy controls were used to compute MHR and compare the results. Results: A total of 255 participants, 155 diagnosed with IBS and 100 in the control group, were included. The median (min-max) monocyte counts (cells/mm³) in the IBS and control groups were 380.0 (310.0-460.0) and 332.0 (232.0-449.3), respectively (p = 0.008). The median(min-max) HDL levels(mg/dl) in IBS and control groups were 45.0(36.0-55.0) and 49.0(43.0-57.0), respectively(p=0.001). The median MHR was higher in the IBS group (9.5) compared to healthy controls (6.73, p&lt;0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed MHR as an independent predictor of the presence of IBS (OR: 1.406, 95% CI: [insert confidence interval]). The cut-off value for MHR to detect IBS with 62.6% sensitivity and 63.0% specificity was 7.57, and ROC analysis revealed an AUROC value of 0.646 (95% CI: 0.577-0.715, p&lt;0.001). Discussion: The study's primary findings were that IBS patients had significantly lower levels of HDL cholesterol and significantly higher levels of monocyte counts when compared to the control group. Consequently, monocyte/HDL ratios (MHR) were statistically substantially greater in IBS patients than in the control group. Furthermore, when the cut-off value was set at 7.6, MHR was found to be an independent predictor for IBS, with 62.6% sensitivity and 63.0% specificity. Conclusion: MHR can be a simple, inexpensive, and effective tool to demonstrate the inflammatory state in patients with IBS.

Plasma IGFBP-2 levels reveal heterogeneity in hepatic fat content in adults with excess visceral adiposity.

Obesity is frequently accompanied by a fatty liver. However, some individuals with high abdominal fat levels nevertheless have low levels of liver fat. Reasons for such discordant phenotypes are unclear. In this paper, we report that among asymptomatic individuals with high levels of visceral fat, low concentrations of IGFBP-2 in the circulation were associated with significantly higher hepatic fat content compared to those with high IGFBP-2 levels. We conclude that quantification of plasma IGFBP-2 concentrations may be useful to identify the early risk for liver fat accumulation in apparently healthy individuals without cardiovascular symptoms. Although excess visceral adiposity (VAT) is generally associated with increased liver fat (LF), recent evidence has revealed heterogeneity in LF content among adults with visceral obesity, potentially contributing to specific differences in cardiometabolic outcomes. Reasons for such discordant VAT-LF phenotypes are largely unknown. The present study aimed at assessing whether circulating levels of insulin growth-factor binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2) could be a useful biomarker in the identification of heterogenous and discordant VAT-LF phenotypes. A sample of 308 middle-aged Caucasian apparently healthy men and women without cardiovascular symptoms were studied for the present cross-sectional analyses. Fasting plasma glucose and lipid levels were assessed and an oral glucose tolerance test was performed. Hepatic fat fraction (HFF) was measured using magnetic resonance spectroscopy whereas VAT was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. Plasma IGFBP-2 levels were quantified by ELISA. Participants were then classified on the basis of median VAT (81 mL) and IGFBP-2 levels (233 ng/mL). Individuals with high levels of VAT were characterized by higher waist circumference, lower insulin sensitivity, as well as by higher plasma triglyceride and lower HDL-cholesterol levels. Plasma IGFBP-2 levels were inversely correlated with HFF (r = -0.39, p < 0.0001). Among men and women with high levels of VAT, those with low levels of IGFBP-2 had significantly higher HFF (7.5 ± 0.7%), compared to participants with high IGFBP-2 concentrations (3.2 ± 0.5%, p < 0.0001). In the presence of excess VAT, high IGFBP-2 concentrations are associated with low levels of LF. Although additional studies will be necessary to establish causality and further clarify the clinical implications of these observations, these findings are concordant with a novel function of IGFBP-2 in modulating susceptibility to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the presence of visceral obesity.

Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor α in Lipoprotein Metabolism and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are a group of ligand-binding transcription factors with pivotal action in regulating pleiotropic signaling pathways of energetic metabolism, immune responses and cell proliferation and differentiation. A significant body of evidence indicates that the PPARα receptor is an important modulator of plasma lipid and lipoprotein metabolism, with pluripotent effects influencing the lipid and apolipoprotein cargo of both atherogenic and antiatherogenic lipoproteins and their functionality. Clinical evidence supports an important role of PPARα agonists (fibric acid derivatives) in the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia and/or low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, although the effects of clinical trials are contradictory and point to a reduction in the risk of nonfatal and fatal myocardial infarction events. In this manuscript, we provide an up-to-date critical review of the existing relevant literature.

Lipid profile and pregnancy associated pathologies

Throughout pregnancy, maternal lipid metabolism changes substantially, all of which can be seen by analysing the lipid profile. Determination of serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels may have a predictive role in the subsequent development of pregnancyspecific pathologies such as preeclampsia, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and gestational diabetes. Also, disorders present in the lipid profile may influence the weight of the newborn at birth. Early dyslipidaemia during pregnancy, manifested by elevated triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol serum levels, has been associated with the development of preeclampsia. In laboratory tests, pregnant women diagnosed with intrahepatic cholestasis have significantly higher plasma triglycerides levels and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations compared to healthy pregnant women. In case of foetal intrauterine growth restriction in the newborn, literature data report significantly increased triglycerides levels. Women who during pregnancy developed gestational diabetes had higher plasma triglycerides levels and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, with no statistically significant difference between serum triglycerides or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.

Clinical and metabolic associations of obesity and body mass index in antipsychotic-naïve first-episode schizophrenia patients and nonadherent chronic patients

Aim of the studyWe investigated the association between obesity and body mass index (BMI) with Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) psychopathology, age at disease onset, and parameters linked to the metabolic syndrome (fasting plasma lipid and glucose levels), among antipsychotic-naïve first-episode schizophrenia (AN-FES) patients and nonadherent chronic schizophrenia individuals.Subject or material and methodsWe recruited a total of 187 AN-FES patients or nonadherent chronic individuals for this study. Clinical and anthropometric data together with plasma lipid and glucose parameters were collected immediately after patients’ admission to the hospital. Patients were classified as obese with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30, or as non-obese if overweight (BMI: 25 – 29.9) or of normal body weight (BMI: 18.5 – 24.9).ResultsAfter controlling for the possible confounders we found that only BMI significantly predicted clinical and metabolic variables. Among AN-FES patients, higher BMI values predicted lower levels of HDL cholesterol (HDL-c), and higher ratios for LDL cholesterol (LDL-c)/HDL-c and triglyceride/HDL-c, while among nonadherent individuals, higher BMI values predicted higher number of psychotic episodes, and lower PANSS general psychopathology scores. The contribution of BMI ranged from approximately 5.8% to 29.6%, with the lowest contribution observed for number of psychotic episodes, and the highest contribution for the LDL-c/HDL-c ratio.DiscussionOur results indicate that AN-FES patients and nonadherent chronic patients differed in the effects of BMI.ConclusionsHigher BMI contributes to an increased risk for dyslipidemia among AN-FES patients and to the higher number of psychotic episodes, and less severe clinical psychopathology among nonadherent chronic schizophrenia individuals.

Sex Differences in the Atherogenic Risk Index in Healthy Mexican Population and Its Relationship with Anthropometric and Psychological Factors.

Dyslipidemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality; however, the association of this variable with a wide range of personal and psychological variables has not been researched. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare lipid levels and anthropometric measures between sexes and to determine the association between personal and psychological variables with the atherogenic risk index (ARI). An adult population which auto-reported as healthy was invited to participate via social media and in person. They filled out a questionnaire with personal and psychological variables; in addition, the body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were measured, and a blood sample was obtained to determine serum lipids. A total of 172 participants were included, from which 92 (53.49%) were women; both sexes were comparable in age and most sociodemographic values. Men showed significantly higher levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, ARI, and lower levels of HDL cholesterol. The men also showed higher values of WHR than the women. In the bivariate analysis, ARI showed the highest correlation with WHR (r = 0.664) in the men and with BMI (r = 0.619) in the women. In the multivariate analysis, the quality of food intake was negatively correlated with ARI in the global and women's samples, and the psychological variables of assertiveness and positive relations with others were negatively correlated with ARI in women, while purpose in life was negatively correlated with ARI in men. In conclusion, the higher levels of serum lipids and ARI in men can be explained by the higher values of WHR in this sex. Behavioral and psychological variables could be protective factors for high ARI.

The Baseline Serum Lipid Levels and Outcomes of NSCLC Patients Receiving Immunotherapy Combined or Non-Combined with Radiotherapy: A Single Center Retrospective Study

In recent years, many studies have shown that lipids and lipid-like substances are key regulatory factors in tumor development and play an important role in immune regulation. However, it remains unclear whether serum lipids influence the outcome of immunotherapy. Therefore, determining the serum lipid levels of the immune treatment-beneficiary population may be valuable. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic value of baseline serum lipid levels in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients receiving immunotherapy. We retrospectively included 294 patients with stage III-IV NSCLC who received immunotherapy continuously from December 2018 to November 2021 at our hospital, collecting their pre-treatment lipid levels, such as total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Of these, 160 receiving immunotherapy without combined radiotherapy (ICIs-nRT) and 134 combined with radiotherapy (iRT). The endpoint was the correlation between pre-treatment serum lipid levels and overall survival (OS), as well as progression-free survival (PFS). The X-tile tool was used to determine the optimal cut-off value of the indicators. The Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to calculate OS and PFS and log rank tests were used for comparison. And the Cox proportional hazard model were used for univariate and multivariate analysis. In all 294 patients, low TG, low TC, and low HDL-C predicted poor OS (P<0.001) and poor PFS (P<0.05). Low LDL-C was associated with poor OS (P = 0.0001). Among 160 patients receiving ICIs-nRT and 134 iRT patients, low levels of TG (P = 0.0134, 0.0024), TC (P = 0.0003, 0.0023), HDL-C (P = 0.0004, 0.0043), and LDL-C (P = 0.0003, 0.0419) were associated with worse OS compared to high levels of them. In the ICIs-nRT patients, low HDL-C predicted poor PFS (P = 0.0011). In 134 iRT patients, low levels of TG (P = 0.0017), TC (P = 0.0028), and LDL-C (P = 0.0330) were poor prognostic factors for PFS. In the univariate and multivariate analysis with OS in all patients, TG and HDL-C were independent risk factors, while TG was an independent risk factor in the analysis with PFS. In ICIs-nRT patients, HDL-C was an independent prognostic factor for patients' OS and PFS. In iRT patients, both TG and HDL-C were prognostic risk factors for OS. These data confirm that higher serum lipid levels are associated with better outcomes in patients with NSCLC undergoing immunotherapy. Serum lipids may identify tumors that are more likely to respond to immunotherapy. Radiation therapy may affect lipid metabolism within the body to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy.

Association between a high triglyceride–glucose index and chronic kidney disease in adult patients with latent autoimmune diabetes

BackgroundInsulin resistance (IR) is one of the risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetes. The triglyceride–glucose (TyG) index is considered a reliable alternative marker of IR. We investigated the correlation between the TyG index and the severity of CKD in patients with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA).MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 288 patients with LADA in the department of endocrinology at our hospital between January 2018 and January 2022. The TyG index was calculated as Ln [TG (mg/dl) × fasting blood glucose (FBG) (mg/dl) / 2]. All individuals were divided into either a LADA + CKD group or a LADA + non-CKD group according to the presence or absence of CKD. A correlation analysis, logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristics curve analysis were performed.ResultsA total of 130 (45.1%) participants were identified as having CKD. Compared with the non-CKD group, the CKD group had a longer disease duration and a higher proportion of smokers; patients were more likely to have hypertension and higher serum creatinine, triglyceride, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, FBG, uric acid estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) and TyG levels as well as lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (all P < 0.05). The positive relationship between the TyG index and the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio was significant (r = 0.249, P = 0.010). There was also a significant correlation between the TyG index and the eGFR (r = − 0.211, P = 0.034) after adjusting for confounding factors. The area-under-the-curve value of the TyG index was 0.708 (95% confidence interval: 0.61–0.81, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe TyG index is significantly associated with the severity of CKD in patients with LADA. This conclusion supports the clinical application of the TyG index for the assessment of kidney disease in patients with LADA.

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and multiple myeloma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and aimsTo systematically investigate all relevant evidence on the association between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and multiple myeloma (MM). MethodsWe searched PubMed and Cochrane library databases (up to 20 September 2022) for studies with evidence on HDL-C in patients with MM. A qualitative synthesis of published prospective and retrospective studies for the role of HDL-C and other lipid profile parameters in MM was performed. Additionally, a meta-analysis on HDL-C mean differences (MD) between MM cases and controls was performed. ResultsFourteen studies (3 prospective, 11 retrospective) including 895 MM patients were eligible for this systematic review. Ten studies compared HDL-C levels in MM patients with healthy controls. In these 10 studies (n = 17,213), pooled analyses showed that MM patients had significantly lower HDL-C levels compared to healthy controls (MD: −13.07 mg/dl, 95% CI: −17.83, −8.32, p < 0.00001). Regarding secondary endpoints, total cholesterol (TC) (MD: −22.19 mg/dl, 95% CI: −39.08, −5.30) and apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) (−40.20 mg/dl, 95% CI: −55.00, −25.39) demonstrated significant decreases, while differences in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (MD: −11.33 mg/dl, 95% CI: −36.95, 14.30) and triglycerides (MD: 9.93 mg/dl, 95% CI: −3.40, 23.26) were not shown to be significant. ConclusionsHDL-C, as well as TC and apoA-I, levels are significantly decreased in MM. Hence, lipid profile parameters should be taken into account when assessing such patients.